Disability and Health Journal
Volume 1, Issue 1 , Pages 25-29, January 2008

Physical access in urban public housing facilities

  • Katherine Froehlich-Grobe, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • The University of Kansas, Gerontology Center, KS 66045, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author: 1000 Sunnyside Ave., Rm. 3090, Lawrence, KS 66045-7555. Fax: 785-864-1326.
    • ,
  • Gail Regan, Ph.D., P.T.

      Affiliations

    • Castleton State College, Psychology Department, Castleton, VT 05735, USA
    • ,
  • Jacqueline Y. Reese-Smith, M.A.

      Affiliations

    • University of Houston Department of Health and Human Performance and the Texas Obesity Research Center, Houston, TX 77204, USA
    • ,
  • Katie M. Heinrich, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
    • ,
  • Rebecca E. Lee, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • University of Houston Department of Health and Human Performance and the Texas Obesity Research Center, Houston, TX 77204, USA

Abstract 

Background

Public housing facilities play an important role in housing individuals with physical disabilities, including older adults, who are unable to afford private housing. This study assessed general features of physical access in the common use areas of 14 federally subsidized, urban public housing facilities.

Methods

Fourteen public housing facilities were assessed by trained field assessors for 6 features of accessibility.

Results

Most housing facilities had at least 1 parking space designated with a vertical sign (86%), an entrance that was level or had a ramp (86%), and a 32-inch wide exterior door (71%). Half (50%) had a public restroom designated by signage as accessible, and most of these bathrooms had 32-inch-wide doorways and at least 1 grab bar near the toilet (86%). Most housing managers were able to identify building modifications that had been made to satisfy accessibility regulations.

Conclusion

The results suggest that relatively large proportions (14%-29%) of federally funded housing facilities are not complying with federal regulations. Better education and compliance are needed to ensure access for all in public housing facilities.

Keywords: People with physical disabilities, Environment design, Public policy, Public housing, Social welfare

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PII: S1936-6574(07)00005-2

doi:10.1016/j.dhjo.2007.11.003

Disability and Health Journal
Volume 1, Issue 1 , Pages 25-29, January 2008

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